Gov. Jerry Brown took “emergency steps” Sunday to try to bring down record gas prices in the state.

He directed the California Air Resources Board to increase the fuel supply by allowing the immediate sale and import of cheaper and more available winter-blend gasoline.

The move would reduce the price of gas in California by 15 to 20 cents per gallon, probably within a few days, said energy expert Chris Faulkner of Dallas-based Breitling Oil and Gas.

“This would immediately increase the supply of gasoline in California,” Faulkner said, but he cautioned that it would take a few days for the governor’s move to be reflected at the pump.

“Gas goes up quickly and comes down slowly,” Faulkner said.

Winter-blend gasoline is a mixture that evaporates more quickly than gas sold in summer months. It’s considered more detrimental to air quality during warm weather.

Winter-blend gasoline typically isn’t sold until after Oct. 31.

I don’t mean to sound cynical, but Jerry Brown, a captive of the environmental lobby, really wants his tax increase measure, California Proposition 30, to pass in November. Voters would be less likely to vote for a sales tax increase if they are paying more for gasoline.

Of course, I doubt that Prop. 30 will pass anyway since Californians are not apt to increase their taxes in the horrible California economy.